How did the trend of music in Korea changed over the past 30 years?
Multi Genre #1 - Essay
Due to Korea’s rapid growth and development from a undeveloped country to one of the power house world economics. This fast change is not only is reflected in business and society but also in culture, specifically in music. Due to Korea’s cultural influence from out side countries Korea has adopted several music genres that did not previously exist in Korea. Korea’s rapid growth and adaptation of western culture and business focus of entertainment companies heavily influenced music trends of the past 30 years.
Presently, Korean music is dominated by entertainment corporation that keeps on turning cookie cutter girl and boy groups. For instance this one company called SM entertainment is producing Idol groups, which are groups of visually appealing singers that are matched to appeal to large audience and maximize the profits of the companies. Unfortunately these groups have more styles then substance. There music is mediocre, soulless, unoriginal and recycled. Due to these corporation's monopoly they are easily able to influence the music media. In addition because fierce competition between the entertainment companies they often end up copying one another which leads to even more soulless, unoriginal music. As a result a real talented individuals are not even getting a chance and many untalented beautiful looking people are taking away their opportunities.
To truly understand how much Korean music has changed let us look back at the Korean music industries for the past 30 years. During 1970s was the era of the Korean Youth’s counter culture music. Koreans artists were strongly influenced by American artists. During this time two major Genre in Korea competed which were the Korean’s traditional Folk music called “Trot” and the modern American influence Genres like Folk music and rock. ( korean-music-trend-from-1990-current Line 27 ~ 32) During the 80’s the music scene was influenced by an American invasion of music styles and artists, such as Michael Jackson. However, in this period of time entertainment companies didn’t yet exist due to government regulations. Music was mostly supported by young people in college. During this period of time the music charts were dominated by rock, power ballads and dance music. In addition during this period of time is when the Korean economy began its meteoric rise and growth. This period of time was capped off with Koreas relauching with the 1988 Seoul Olympics which reintroduced the world to Korea. Optimism was at an all time high and business such as Samsung and POSCO grew at incredible rates.
Along with massive growth came the inevitable creation of large entertainment companies that started up in the 1990s. This marks the decline of original music and artists and the growth of Idol groups, such as Seotaji, Shinwha, and HOT. ( korean-music-trend-from-1990-current Line 16 ~ 19) The music charts became dominated by rap and & r&b groups. With the focus on producing more good looking idol groups that maximized profits other genres have had limited growth. ( korean-music-trend-from-1990-current Line 26 ~ 42)Simply looking at todays music charts clearly show the immense power of entertainment companies. For example on company SM Entertainment boasts 5 of the tops groups in Korea.( korean-music-trend-from-1990-current Line 16 ~ 19) This allows them to manipulate music sales as well as TV media production to give their artists the best possible coverage. Unfortunately the day and age of music with substance has given way to more image centric artists.
Bibliography
"Korean 1993~Current Music." Korean 1993~Current Music. 12 Feb. 2003
This dialog will portray the difference between different generation. The highlight would be the major changes of the music industry in Korea in terms of style and taste going back 30 years. This will show cultural differences and really show how Korean music has involved if not for the better the worse. The dialog will include a grandfather, a father and a teenage son. Grandfather is 70s, father is in 40s and the grandson is in his teens. Each has experienced a different era of music and obviously have differences in musical choices. Grandfather would like traditional Korean folk music and Trot while the father prefers Ballads, classic Rock and the teenagers would prefer the idol groups. They are arguing over which music music genre is best and chides each other over their choice of music. The grandfather thinks that teenager music is too loud and doesn’t have any deep meaning or outstanding values. The father defends his son’s music choices calming that the grandfather is too old fashioned and out of touch with new music and chides him that korean society music has also evolved. The younger son initially has the argument with his grandfather by himself. He does not understand why his grandfather doesn’t like his choice in music as well as his choice of cloth and entertainment.
Multi Genre #2 - Dialog
Dialog
Brian Moon
Grandfather opens the door to his grandsons room. Grandson is Blaring 2PM on his stereo system.
Grandfather: Can you please turn down that chaotic music. My ears are going to fall off.
Grandson: What’s the matter grandfather, I always listen to music when I study.
Grandfather: What? You call that a music? That terrible sound music?
Grandson: Come on grandfather, is the song that bad? I never tell you that your music that you listen to is terrible. Personally I think Trot music and Folk music is old-fashioned and kind of spooky sounding.
Grandfather: What? How can you not see such a great value in a music that teach life lessons and about Korean culture.
Grandson: Grandfather, your music has no barrier and it has lost it’s popularity ever since 1990. I have never heard Trot music except for when you play the actual song or when it is on TV specials.
Grandfather: How can you call yourself Korean. That pop music that you are listening to right now are destroying Korean culture and destroying our values so stop listening to it!
Father: What is up with all this ruckus? I’m trying to have nice relaxing sunday. Father why are you so upset. Son what is the meaning of this argument.
Grandson: Dad grandfather is interrupting me while I am studying. He came into the room and complained that my music is too loud and nonsensical.
Father: Son if your grandfather told you that your music is too lout you should turn the volume down.
Grandson: But dad he insulted me and told me to stop listening to all this music that I love. He said it is bad and that I should stop listening to my music.
Father: Dad I remember when I was young you always told me about the history of folk music.
Grandfather: Yes! Yes! I remember those days. During the 70s was the era of the Korean Youth’s counter culture music. Lots of collages and university students use to have a band or trot singers. During my time Trot and Folk use to be the best music in trend. It had a meaningful and original lyrics that represented the spirits of Korea.
Father: Well dad I also had my own time of music. During my time of music trend was 80’s. The music scene was influenced by an American invasion of music styles and artists, such as Michael Jackson. However, in this period of time entertainment companies didn’t yet exist due to government regulations. Music was mostly supported by young people in college. During this period of time the music charts were dominated by rock, power ballads and dance music. Oh, I miss those rock music and power ballads.
Son: Why can’t you listen to those music these days. Don’t they sell the albums somewhere?
Father: Well son the thing is no new singers sing rock and power ballads. After 1988 there was inevitable creation of large entertainment companies that started up in the 1990s. This marks the decline of original music and artists and the growth of Idol groups, such as Seotaji, Shinwha, and HOT. The music charts became dominated by rap and & r&b groups. With the focus on producing more good looking idol groups that maximized profits other genres have had limited growth.
Son: Wait... does that mean there are no more rocks and power ballad?
Father: Well the trend in Korea will change time to time. Someday the rock bands and the power ballad singers will make a big come back.
Multi Genre #3 - Compilation of hit song from past 30 years in Korea.
For Genre #3 I will put a timeline that shows the trend of Music in Korea. I would also include the actual songs that represent the certain era as well as the artist's name, the background about how Korea was during this time, and as well as some basic lyrics & translation of the lyrics. In this way I can understand the answer to my questions more thoroughly.
1970 ~ 1980
~ The era of Folk Songs ~
During the 70s Rock and Modern Folk was the Korean Music trend. Due to the President Jung Hee Bak the Korean Artists were under severe pressure of the government and some singers had to stop their carrers. Although some singers died away, some singers survived and last as a ledgend. The one of the most famous Folk singers like Hee Yeon Yang became the ledgend of Korean Folk singers.
Title of the song: Morning Dew ( 1972) Artist: Hee Yeon Yang Genre: Modern Folk Picture
Song :
Lyrics (English Translation):
I have been awaiting for the long night to pass by.
When my heart's sorrow like the dew on a leaf in the morning, glowing like a peral, is hurting me
I climb the morning hill and learn how to make a small smile.
The sun will rise behind the graveyard and the steaming sun during the afternoon will be my trial and destiny.
I now am going to go to the wilderness and leave all my heart's sarrow behind.
1981 ~ 1990
~ Renaissance of Korean Popular Song ~
During the 80s there was various kinds of Music Genre that co-existed in Korea. Modern Folk, Rock, Trot, Power Ballads and early dance musics. Rather then showing the concert through television, artists during this time was more focused on how they perform their live concerts. A wild chrysanthemum, Hyun Shik Kim, Young Ah Han, Spring Summer Fall Winter would be the most famous singers that represented this era of Musc trend.
Title of the song: March (1985) Artist: A wild chrysanthemum Genre: Rock Picture
Song
Lyrics (English Translation):
My past was dark and difficult but if I can love my past I would draw the picture of remembrance.
I would march! march! march! foreword.
More and More and More I will march. My future is not always bright and sometimes it will face hardships
but when the rains comes I will walk through the rain. Therefore... March March March foreword.
Until the next morning and the sun rises will sing and march forever.
1991 ~ 2000
~ The Era of Rap and Alternative Rock / Rise of Eraly Idols ~
During this time Seo Taji and His Buddies strongly impacted Korean trend of Music. He shifted the Rock/Folk/Trot trend of music to Rap and Dance music Trend of music. Due to his influence lots of 80s artists had to stop their carrers. Eventually their song has became an "Old" trend. Although most of the 80s music trend is gone, due to the existence of Indie bands and their enviorment some rock and folk musics are not completely dead.
Title of the song: I Know (1991) Artist: Seo Taji and His Buddies Genre: Hip Hop / Pop Music Video:
Lyrics
I once met a lady she was all so fine
and the only thing I wanted was to make her mine
I was all so sweet and all so kind
and like a man whose in love I was all so blind
Cause from the first time I was her I become obsessed
and the only thing I wanted was her sweet carress
she had the pretties eyes and the smoothest skin
but she left me on the outside trying to get in
Listen to what I say I'm going to be your friend
more precious thing some where by me I never forget you truly
you don't know my heart from the moment at first sight
you make only me so sorrowful never say forget me
Please wait for me listen to my words
Babe I love you (I can't understand)
Please wait for me listen to my words
Think about you all the time
I thought she really cared so I gave her my heart
and when thing were looking up she played the port
but when my downs came around the girl skipped town
she left my face to baring a frown
so to all you casinnobas out there or who want to be
take it from me Taiji the one and only
love can always be kind but when a
girls all waked love is all so blind
2001 ~ Current
~ The era of Idol Groups ~
Along with massive growth came the inevitable creation of large entertainment companies that started up in the 1990s. This marks the decline of original music and artists and the growth of Idol groups, such as Seotaji, Shinwha, and HOT. The music charts became dominated by rap and & r&b groups. With the focus on producing more good looking idol groups that maximized profits. Although there are lots of Idol groups that are currently boosted by the companies there are some single artists as well that are supported by the companies. The current trend of Korean music would be Pop, Dance music.
Title of the song: Chocolate love Artist: Girl's Generation Company: SM Entertainment Genre: Pop/ Hip hop Music Video:
Lyrics (English Translation):
O on the first sight of you
I wanna have it!
Chocolate Love!
A magical charm that cannot be ignored.
Your arrogant lips and the prim air is hiding you.
This is the first time I ever felt this and I have fallen into it.
I got you babe, I call,
I call it chocolate love
I want to have you
Sweet Sweet Oh Chocolate love
The word handsome is lacking to describe you
Everyone will become fatal because of your look
Chocolate love! Brand new world..
One word cannot describe it
It is unconcosiously giving me the temptation.
This is the first time I ever fel this and I have been melting.
I got you babe, I call,
I call it chocolate love
In conclusion the music trend of Korea is quite clear to me. During the 70s Folk, Rock and Trot was the dominated genre, during the 80s multiple of genre co-existed but the particular genre that dominated 80s were rock, and power ballads. After 80s Korean economy faced a great uphill and therefore created entertainment companies. Eventually the entertainment companies produced a Idol group which eventually changed the Korean music trend. In current day Korean music chart is dominated mostly by Idols (Hip & Hop).
Multi Genre #1 - Essay
Due to Korea’s rapid growth and development from a undeveloped country to one of the power house world economics. This fast change is not only is reflected in business and society but also in culture, specifically in music. Due to Korea’s cultural influence from out side countries Korea has adopted several music genres that did not previously exist in Korea. Korea’s rapid growth and adaptation of western culture and business focus of entertainment companies heavily influenced music trends of the past 30 years.
Presently, Korean music is dominated by entertainment corporation that keeps on turning cookie cutter girl and boy groups. For instance this one company called SM entertainment is producing Idol groups, which are groups of visually appealing singers that are matched to appeal to large audience and maximize the profits of the companies. Unfortunately these groups have more styles then substance. There music is mediocre, soulless, unoriginal and recycled. Due to these corporation's monopoly they are easily able to influence the music media. In addition because fierce competition between the entertainment companies they often end up copying one another which leads to even more soulless, unoriginal music. As a result a real talented individuals are not even getting a chance and many untalented beautiful looking people are taking away their opportunities.
To truly understand how much Korean music has changed let us look back at the Korean music industries for the past 30 years. During 1970s was the era of the Korean Youth’s counter culture music. Koreans artists were strongly influenced by American artists. During this time two major Genre in Korea competed which were the Korean’s traditional Folk music called “Trot” and the modern American influence Genres like Folk music and rock. ( korean-music-trend-from-1990-current Line 27 ~ 32) During the 80’s the music scene was influenced by an American invasion of music styles and artists, such as Michael Jackson. However, in this period of time entertainment companies didn’t yet exist due to government regulations. Music was mostly supported by young people in college. During this period of time the music charts were dominated by rock, power ballads and dance music. In addition during this period of time is when the Korean economy began its meteoric rise and growth. This period of time was capped off with Koreas relauching with the 1988 Seoul Olympics which reintroduced the world to Korea. Optimism was at an all time high and business such as Samsung and POSCO grew at incredible rates.
Along with massive growth came the inevitable creation of large entertainment companies that started up in the 1990s. This marks the decline of original music and artists and the growth of Idol groups, such as Seotaji, Shinwha, and HOT. ( korean-music-trend-from-1990-current Line 16 ~ 19) The music charts became dominated by rap and & r&b groups. With the focus on producing more good looking idol groups that maximized profits other genres have had limited growth. ( korean-music-trend-from-1990-current Line 26 ~ 42) Simply looking at todays music charts clearly show the immense power of entertainment companies. For example on company SM Entertainment boasts 5 of the tops groups in Korea. ( korean-music-trend-from-1990-current Line 16 ~ 19) This allows them to manipulate music sales as well as TV media production to give their artists the best possible coverage. Unfortunately the day and age of music with substance has given way to more image centric artists.
Bibliography
"Korean 1993~Current Music." Korean 1993~Current Music. 12 Feb. 2003
"Korean Music Trend." Korean Music Trend. 23 Sep. 2008
"Korean Popular Culture: Korean Music Trend from 1990-Current." Korean Popular Culture. 25 Oct. 2009
Multi Genre #2 - Dialog
This dialog will portray the difference between different generation. The highlight would be the major changes of the music industry in Korea in terms of style and taste going back 30 years. This will show cultural differences and really show how Korean music has involved if not for the better the worse. The dialog will include a grandfather, a father and a teenage son. Grandfather is 70s, father is in 40s and the grandson is in his teens. Each has experienced a different era of music and obviously have differences in musical choices. Grandfather would like traditional Korean folk music and Trot while the father prefers Ballads, classic Rock and the teenagers would prefer the idol groups. They are arguing over which music music genre is best and chides each other over their choice of music. The grandfather thinks that teenager music is too loud and doesn’t have any deep meaning or outstanding values. The father defends his son’s music choices calming that the grandfather is too old fashioned and out of touch with new music and chides him that korean society music has also evolved. The younger son initially has the argument with his grandfather by himself. He does not understand why his grandfather doesn’t like his choice in music as well as his choice of cloth and entertainment.
Multi Genre #2 - Dialog
Dialog
Brian Moon
Grandfather opens the door to his grandsons room. Grandson is Blaring 2PM on his stereo system.
Grandfather: Can you please turn down that chaotic music. My ears are going to fall off.
Grandson: What’s the matter grandfather, I always listen to music when I study.
Grandfather: What? You call that a music? That terrible sound music?
Grandson: Come on grandfather, is the song that bad? I never tell you that your music that you listen to is terrible. Personally I think Trot music and Folk music is old-fashioned and kind of spooky sounding.
Grandfather: What? How can you not see such a great value in a music that teach life lessons and about Korean culture.
Grandson: Grandfather, your music has no barrier and it has lost it’s popularity ever since 1990. I have never heard Trot music except for when you play the actual song or when it is on TV specials.
Grandfather: How can you call yourself Korean. That pop music that you are listening to right now are destroying Korean culture and destroying our values so stop listening to it!
Father: What is up with all this ruckus? I’m trying to have nice relaxing sunday. Father why are you so upset. Son what is the meaning of this argument.
Grandson: Dad grandfather is interrupting me while I am studying. He came into the room and complained that my music is too loud and nonsensical.
Father: Son if your grandfather told you that your music is too lout you should turn the volume down.
Grandson: But dad he insulted me and told me to stop listening to all this music that I love. He said it is bad and that I should stop listening to my music.
Father: Dad I remember when I was young you always told me about the history of folk music.
Grandfather: Yes! Yes! I remember those days. During the 70s was the era of the Korean Youth’s counter culture music. Lots of collages and university students use to have a band or trot singers. During my time Trot and Folk use to be the best music in trend. It had a meaningful and original lyrics that represented the spirits of Korea.
Father: Well dad I also had my own time of music. During my time of music trend was 80’s. The music scene was influenced by an American invasion of music styles and artists, such as Michael Jackson. However, in this period of time entertainment companies didn’t yet exist due to government regulations. Music was mostly supported by young people in college. During this period of time the music charts were dominated by rock, power ballads and dance music. Oh, I miss those rock music and power ballads.
Son: Why can’t you listen to those music these days. Don’t they sell the albums somewhere?
Father: Well son the thing is no new singers sing rock and power ballads. After 1988 there was inevitable creation of large entertainment companies that started up in the 1990s. This marks the decline of original music and artists and the growth of Idol groups, such as Seotaji, Shinwha, and HOT. The music charts became dominated by rap and & r&b groups. With the focus on producing more good looking idol groups that maximized profits other genres have had limited growth.
Son: Wait... does that mean there are no more rocks and power ballad?
Father: Well the trend in Korea will change time to time. Someday the rock bands and the power ballad singers will make a big come back.
Multi Genre #3 - Compilation of hit song from past 30 years in Korea.
For Genre #3 I will put a timeline that shows the trend of Music in Korea. I would also include the actual songs that represent the certain era as well as the artist's name, the background about how Korea was during this time, and as well as some basic lyrics & translation of the lyrics. In this way I can understand the answer to my questions more thoroughly.
1970 ~ 1980
~ The era of Folk Songs ~
During the 70s Rock and Modern Folk was the Korean Music trend. Due to the President Jung Hee Bak the Korean Artists were under severe pressure of the government and some singers had to stop their carrers. Although some singers died away, some singers survived and last as a ledgend. The one of the most famous Folk singers like Hee Yeon Yang became the ledgend of Korean Folk singers.
Title of the song: Morning Dew ( 1972)
Artist: Hee Yeon Yang
Genre: Modern Folk
Picture
Song :
Lyrics (English Translation):
I have been awaiting for the long night to pass by.
When my heart's sorrow like the dew on a leaf in the morning, glowing like a peral, is hurting me
I climb the morning hill and learn how to make a small smile.
The sun will rise behind the graveyard and the steaming sun during the afternoon will be my trial and destiny.
I now am going to go to the wilderness and leave all my heart's sarrow behind.
1981 ~ 1990
~ Renaissance of Korean Popular Song ~
During the 80s there was various kinds of Music Genre that co-existed in Korea. Modern Folk, Rock, Trot, Power Ballads and early dance musics. Rather then showing the concert through television, artists during this time was more focused on how they perform their live concerts. A wild chrysanthemum, Hyun Shik Kim, Young Ah Han, Spring Summer Fall Winter would be the most famous singers that represented this era of Musc trend.
Title of the song: March (1985)
Artist: A wild chrysanthemum
Genre: Rock
Picture
Song
Lyrics (English Translation):
My past was dark and difficult but if I can love my past I would draw the picture of remembrance.
I would march! march! march! foreword.
More and More and More I will march. My future is not always bright and sometimes it will face hardships
but when the rains comes I will walk through the rain. Therefore... March March March foreword.
Until the next morning and the sun rises will sing and march forever.
1991 ~ 2000
~ The Era of Rap and Alternative Rock / Rise of Eraly Idols ~
During this time Seo Taji and His Buddies strongly impacted Korean trend of Music. He shifted the Rock/Folk/Trot trend of music to Rap and Dance music Trend of music. Due to his influence lots of 80s artists had to stop their carrers. Eventually their song has became an "Old" trend. Although most of the 80s music trend is gone, due to the existence of Indie bands and their enviorment some rock and folk musics are not completely dead.
Title of the song: I Know (1991)
Artist: Seo Taji and His Buddies
Genre: Hip Hop / Pop
Music Video:
Lyrics
I once met a lady she was all so fine
and the only thing I wanted was to make her mine
I was all so sweet and all so kind
and like a man whose in love I was all so blind
Cause from the first time I was her I become obsessed
and the only thing I wanted was her sweet carress
she had the pretties eyes and the smoothest skin
but she left me on the outside trying to get in
Listen to what I say I'm going to be your friend
more precious thing some where by me I never forget you truly
you don't know my heart from the moment at first sight
you make only me so sorrowful never say forget me
Please wait for me listen to my words
Babe I love you (I can't understand)
Please wait for me listen to my words
Think about you all the time
I thought she really cared so I gave her my heart
and when thing were looking up she played the port
but when my downs came around the girl skipped town
she left my face to baring a frown
so to all you casinnobas out there or who want to be
take it from me Taiji the one and only
love can always be kind but when a
girls all waked love is all so blind
2001 ~ Current
~ The era of Idol Groups ~
Along with massive growth came the inevitable creation of large entertainment companies that started up in the 1990s. This marks the decline of original music and artists and the growth of Idol groups, such as Seotaji, Shinwha, and HOT. The music charts became dominated by rap and & r&b groups. With the focus on producing more good looking idol groups that maximized profits. Although there are lots of Idol groups that are currently boosted by the companies there are some single artists as well that are supported by the companies. The current trend of Korean music would be Pop, Dance music.
Title of the song: Chocolate love
Artist: Girl's Generation
Company: SM Entertainment
Genre: Pop/ Hip hop
Music Video:
Lyrics (English Translation):
O on the first sight of you
I wanna have it!
Chocolate Love!
A magical charm that cannot be ignored.
Your arrogant lips and the prim air is hiding you.
This is the first time I ever felt this and I have fallen into it.
I got you babe, I call,
I call it chocolate love
I want to have you
Sweet Sweet Oh Chocolate love
The word handsome is lacking to describe you
Everyone will become fatal because of your look
Chocolate love! Brand new world..
One word cannot describe it
It is unconcosiously giving me the temptation.
This is the first time I ever fel this and I have been melting.
I got you babe, I call,
I call it chocolate love
So on...
Bibliography of the songs and music video
"YouTube - 【MV 中字】091015 SNSD 少女時代 " Chocolate Love "." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.. 25 Oct. 2009
"YouTube - seo taji and boys- nan arayo(i know)." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.. 25 Oct. 2009
"Google Image: http://www.enjoyaudio.com/xe/files/attach/images/397691/937/032/002/%EB%93%A4%EA%B5%AD%ED%99%94.jpg." Google Image. 25 Oct. 2009
"Google Image: http://img.maniadb.com/images/album/100/100439_f_1.jpg." Google Image. 25 Oct. 2009
Epilogue
In conclusion the music trend of Korea is quite clear to me. During the 70s Folk, Rock and Trot was the dominated genre, during the 80s multiple of genre co-existed but the particular genre that dominated 80s were rock, and power ballads. After 80s Korean economy faced a great uphill and therefore created entertainment companies. Eventually the entertainment companies produced a Idol group which eventually changed the Korean music trend. In current day Korean music chart is dominated mostly by Idols (Hip & Hop).